James albert roosevelt



(No Model.)

J.l A. ROOSEVELT.

MAIL BAG PASTBNBR.

Patented Nov. 14, 1893.

W/TNESSES ATTORNEYS lUNITED STATES YPrvrENT OFFICE.

JAMES ALBERT RoosEVELT, oEAUsT1N,-TExAs, AssieNoR AoE ONE-HALE To J. H. WAEMOTH, oEsAME PLAGE.

MAIL-BAG FASTENER.

SPECIFICATION fe'rming part ef Letters Patent Ne. 508,841, dated November 14, 1893.

Application filed August 3, 1891- Serial Nov 401,595. (No model.)

drawings, in which t'he same A parts are indicated by theY same letters.

Figure l is a side view of the mouth of the bag with the liap turned back and the near edge of the mouth of the bag partly removed to show the longitudinally sliding strap and locking tongues. Fig. 2 is a side view from the opposite side of the bag, the mouth being,

closed, and Fig. 3 is a section through the mouth of the bag taken on line x-:r of Fig. 2.

In the drawings A represents a strap of stiif leather which has upon one side a series of osetting projecting tonguesa a extending parallel to the strap. This strap is retained on one of the inner sides of the mouth of the bag by means of metal keepers b extending transversely across the strap and guiding it in its longitudinal movement. At the mouth of the bag, the leather, of which it is constructed, is of double thickness except at the point Where the strap plays, and here it is of single thickness which gives a channelway for the strap to move in.

Upon one side of the mouth of the bag is extended the llap B which on its inner side is provided with a series of staples C. To correspondwith these staples there is cut through the month of the bag a series of slots c on one side of the mouth, and a second series of slots c on the other side, the latter series being also extended through the metal keepers that retain the strap. When the liap is folded down over the bag and its staples are passed through the slots'c c in the mouth of the bag, the row of staples are in a direct line with the ltongues on the strap, so that if the strap is moved longitudinally, the tongues will pass through said staples and thus lock the mouth of the bag.

To accomplish the foregoing result, the

Reference is had to the accompanying strap has attached to its back a lug or staple d, which passes through a slot arranged transversely in the mouth of the bag, which slot is reinforced or bound with a metal plate e an'd is long enough to allow the proper movement of the lug in the adjustment of the strap. To thisrlug is loosely hung a hasp E, which, when the strap is in its locking position is adapted to be fastened over a staple f and be secured by a padlock. This hasp is provided'with a 6o label and serves the triple purpose of locking hasp, label holder, and handle by which the strap is worked or slid longitudinally to its locked or unlocked position.

The advantages of the fastening are that it is easily and quickly operated and affords perfect security to the contents. It also leaves the bag smooth on the outside and there is no danger of Water or dirt getting into the bag. The fastener can be `applied to an oldl bag 7ov already in use, and is not liable to get damaged or out of order from rough handling.

The leather strap Avis in plain sight whenever the bag is opened, and hence its condition may be inspected every time the bag is so opened. Should it become worn outit may be readily withdrawn and a new strap made and put in place, this without the necessity for any special tools other than are found in any cobblers shop. Again Athe strap A and 8o guides b lie flat and are not liable to catch in and tear any mail matter thrown into the bag.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim 'isy l. The combination with a mail bag prolvided with a Hap B, slots c, a double upper portion on the side contiguous to said liap,

and a channel cutin said portiongbf guides Yb hav/ing slots c secured across said channel;

a leather strap A adapted tofslide'in said 9o channel and having tongues ot integral therewith and projecting from one side of said strap; staples C secured to the inner side of said liap and adapted to pass through said slots c and c when said liap is closed, and means for moving said strap and engaging said tongues in said staples when said iiap is" closed, substantially as described. y

2. The combination withLafmail bag provided With a flap B, slots c, a double upper roo portion on the side contiguous to said flap,

and a channel cut in said portion; of guides tag holder secured to the vback of said strap ro and -adapted to `engage said-staple when the Hap is closed and the strap moved into the locking position, substantially as described.

JAMES ALBERT ROOSEVELT.

Witnesses:

J. H. WARMOTH, J. A. STUART. 

